Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Chronograph ref. 03.2040.4061/69.C496 – Brown OEM Strap

During the 1960s, four major brands got into intense competition over creating the first-ever self-winding chronograph wristwatch.
Heuer and Breitling collaborated and received the support of Hamilton, Buren, and Dubois-Depraz, whereas Zenith and Seiko chose to go their own ways. By early 1969, all four companies had constructed a chronograph wristwatch that featured automatic winding, and they had all done remarkable jobs. The Caliber 11 from Heuer, the 6139 from Seiko, and Zenith’s El Primero all proved themselves as accurate and reliable, well-engineered movements, each of which would go on to inspire a diverse line-up of respective successors.
The watch on offer here is one of those successors.
This iteration of the El Primero Chronomaster Chronograph strikes an excellent balance between the traditionalist design of the El Primero line, the staples of haute Horology, and the contemporary design language of the 21st century. It sports a hairline-finished 42 mm steel case with beveled edges topped by a smooth bezel and features more than a few of the elements associated with Zenith’s landmark model. More specifically – an aggressive case architecture paired with а silvery sunray dial, a star-tipped chronograph hand, and faceted applied hour indices and baton hands. What makes this version of the model stand out is the stunning Open Heart complication which takes the place of the 9 o’clock subdial. Much like the exhibition caseback, it proudly showcases the column-wheel caliber El Primero 4061, which operates at 36,000 bph, has 282 components (including a silicon lever and escape-wheel), and boasts a power reserve of 50 hours.
Our offering is in very good condition, only has a small flaw on the dial – please check the right blue subdial. Comes as watch only, outfitted with an OEM brown leather strap. Ticking per specs.

Covered by a limited warranty of 1 year.